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Mount Pleasant chamber hires new vice president [The Hawk Eye, Burlington, Iowa](Hawk Eye, The (Burlington, IA) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Oct. 03--MOUNT PLEASANT -- The Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance announced Thursday the selection of Travis Kraus as the new executive vice president of the MPACA. Kraus will begin his new position Nov. 3. "Travis comes to the MPACA with experience as a regional planner with the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission. His previous work as a small business owner and community development professional make Travis an excellent choice for the executive vice president position. The Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce is looking forward to this partnership as we continue to work toward our mission to enhance quality of life through economic growth," said Shelley Doak, Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce president. "The Area Development Commission is looking forward to Travis Kraus leading the Chamber Alliance team," said David File, president of the Mount Pleasant Area Development Commission. "He brings with him, strong business innovation experience, solid leadership and planning skills, experience working with governments and their agencies, and most importantly, a strong commitment to building on the economic strength of Mount Pleasant and Henry County." Kraus holds a master of arts degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Iowa School of Urban and Regional Planning. His professional training and experience gives him insight into economic development. "I am very excited to join the team of community and business leaders that make Mount Pleasant a great place to live and work. As the new executive vice president of the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance, I know that I will be continuing a long history of success in growing the community through economic development and support of local businesses. Ultimately, I consider the position an opportunity to help provide a high quality of life for current and future residents," said Kraus. "My family and I have called the Mount Pleasant area home for more than a year now, and as a relatively new resident, I look forward to meeting new people. I feel fortunate to have an opportunity that aligns so closely with my interests, background and abilities, especially because it allows me to serve the community in which I live. I've also been very encouraged and optimistic about the future of Mount Pleasant after having met and collaborated with many talented and proactive city officials and local residents throughout Henry County." Having worked as both a small business owner and community development professional, Kraus recognizes how economic development and a positive business climate intersect with all facets of community growth and quality of life issues. "Of course, Mount Pleasant and the surrounding communities are not immune to the many challenges facing small towns across the state. I am eager to help navigate the greater Mount Pleasant area through the changing economic landscape. I most look forward to helping develop a shared vision for Mount Pleasant and the surrounding area, and then building on that community vision to implement the MPACA collective mission," said Kraus. Kraus replaces Kiley Miller, who took over as president and CEO of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corp. in northwest Iowa in early August. ___ (c)2014 The Hawk Eye (Burlington, Iowa) Visit The Hawk Eye (Burlington, Iowa) at www.thehawkeye.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |